Nurse’s Assistant Accused of Raping 78-Year Old

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MARRERO, La. (WGNO) – Family members at a West Bank health care center are being notified about a sexual assault against an elderly resident at the facility. It happened Friday morning at Wynhoven Health Care Center in Marrero.

“I hate for that to happen to an elderly person, especially with my mother living there,” Armas said.

Warren Martin has lived at Wynhoven the past 9-years.

He says neighbors are angry and deeply disturbed about the accusations against the care-taker.

“He’s there to take care of people, not to take advantage of people,” Martin said.

A female nurse made the discovery while checking on residents at 2:30 am.

She walked in during the alleged sexual activity.

Armas says he should have been notified by administrators.

“I’m my mother’s caretaker and they have my phone number and everything. And I think the appropriate thing for them to do was to call me and advise me of what happened so I can be concerned and check up on here.”

The health care center falls under the umbrella of the Archdiocese of New Orleans. In a statement officials there said… “The care and safety of our residents is our first priority. “This action is unacceptable, and we will not tolerate this kind of behavior from anyone. “Our prayers are with the victim, and her family.”

“I think they should have their staff screened better, that they hire. So they know what kind of people they’re hiring,” Martin said.

Staff members at the center are in the process of contacting resident families.

Whidden has been arrested and charged with one count each of aggravated rape and sexual battery.